The Church Multiplies – Acts 4:32-5:11

GOSPEL GENEROSITY

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES

Acts 4:32-5:11 NASB

32 And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own, but all things were common property to them.33 And with great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all.34 For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales35 and lay them at the apostles’ feet, and they would be distributed to each as any had need.

36 Now Joseph, a Levite of Cyprian birth, who was also called Barnabas by the apostles (which translated means Son of Encouragement),37 and who owned a tract of land, sold it and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

5 But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property,2 and kept back some of the price for himself, with his wife’s full knowledge, and bringing a portion of it, he laid it at the apostles’ feet.3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back some of the price of the land?4 While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not under your control? Why is it that you have conceived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.”5 And as he heard these words, Ananias fell down and breathed his last; and great fear came over all who heard of it.6 The young men got up and covered him up, and after carrying him out, they buried him.

7 Now there elapsed an interval of about three hours, and his wife came in, not knowing what had happened.8 And Peter responded to her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for such and such a price?” And she said, “Yes, that was the price.”9 Then Peter said to her, “Why is it that you have agreed together to put the Spirit of the Lord to the test? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out as well.”10 And immediately she fell at his feet and breathed her last, and the young men came in and found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband.11 And great fear came over the whole church, and over all who heard of these things.

OUTLINE

No need among them 4:32-37

No greed among them 5:1-11

QUESTIONS

We all want a world with no need, not many want to repent and deal with their greed. Where does greed show up in your heart most? How does greed separate you from others? How does the Gospel free your heart to be generous? V 32

We know people matter more than possessions, but still tend to love stuff and use people to get more stuff. How does the Gospel correct our thinking and point is to the mattering things of life ? V 32

We are all needy and needed. What camp do you tend to fall in? We are a family, a body, when one hurts we all hurt. What would it look like for you to be open when you are needy? Where can you be generous where you are needed?

The darker the night, the brighter even the littlest light shine, what next step is He asking you to take to shine bright during this time Hillside?